Fatal shooting on Goldman Street near Pine Street

July 30, 2011 at 2:30 a.m.Updated July 31, 2011 at 2:31 a.m.

Neighbors in the 900 block of Goldman Street said they heard gunshots about 3 a.m. Saturday. Police are now investigating the homicide of a man after finding his body in the backyard of a home on the block.

HAVE ANY information?

The Victoria Police Department encourages anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 572-4200 or Jeff Lehnert in the Victoria Department Investigations Division at 485-3730.

Brandon Loesch was worried about Daniel Davila when he heard from a mutual friend about noon Saturday that Davila had been missing since early that morning.

"I just knew something wasn't right. Daniel doesn't disappear or ignore anyone," Loesch said. "He was a people person; he was always with people. He was the greatest friend. I couldn't stress that enough."

Victoria police are pursuing leads in the Saturday morning shooting death of Davila, 25, of Victoria.

Lt. Ralph Buentello of the Victoria Police Department said Davila was found in the 900 block of Goldman Street.

The shooting occurred about 3 a.m. Saturday, according to residents in the neighborhood. Police later confirmed the time.

Justice of the Peace Henry Welfel declared Davila deceased and ordered an autopsy Saturday afternoon to determine the specific cause of death.

Neighbors said they heard multiple gunshots about 3 a.m. in the area of Pine and Goldman streets, near where Davila was found.

One of the neighbors, Ivone Aguirre, said the gunshots woke her up. When she looked out her window, she saw people running out of a neighbor's yard in the 900 block of Goldman Street toward Pine Street.

Buentello said the police department added extra officers this weekend to patrol the area and to gather evidence and assist in the investigation.

Loesch, 24, of Victoria, said Davila touched many lives.

"I first started hanging out with Daniel a few years ago," Loesch said. "He always made me laugh, always brought a smile to my face, no matter how bad I felt."

Loesch said he talked to Davila a few days ago.

"We were at our friend's auto shop, playing pool and hanging out," Loesch said. "He just tried to live his life as full as he could in every way possible."

Loesch said Davila leaves behind a girlfriend and two children, ages 4 and an infant.

"He has two daughters, that's what made me feel the worst," Loesch said. "He's was just an all around great guy. You couldn't hate the dude, you know?"